Bible Proverbs of King Solomon - Essay Example

Since money is a measure of wealth according to Barnes (2007) and Whybray (1990), one needs to work hard to get wealthy. Otherwise, according to Proverbs 18:13 (New International Version), the lazy people who love sleep grow poor. Those that shun sleep and work hard get more to even save. With the growth in one’s wealth so does such a person’s power also increase. This explains why “the rich rule over the poor” and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave (Proverbs, 22:7). Nonetheless, with this money comes responsibility. First, the need for wisdom, to make appropriate investment decisions, has been informed by Proverbs 18:21 which notes that the inheritance claimed sooner than it should do not attract blessings. In the same way, withdrawing from investments before maturity denies the investor desirable returns. Secondly, with money comes the need to share with society because even if firms avoid corporate social responsibility, Proverbs 28:8 insinuates that the shareholders for whom profits are sought would give back to society.

Business and trade conduct requires an exhibition of competence coupled with respect for authorities, integrity, and honesty for the prosperity of business plans. Proverbs 19:8; 21:5 and 22:29 allude to the fact that prosperity in business requires businesspeople to be diligent and equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. These verses acknowledge that such persons interact with the prosperous people in society and not the low-ranking persons. According to Friedman and Birnbaum (2013), these successful business people should respect authorities just as Proverbs 22:4 requires one to humble before the Lord to get riches, honor, and life. Respect would see the business prosper and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage over its rivals. Even so, such riches should be acquired honestly as this assures of sustainability of the resultant gains, and the Lord detests dishonesty (Proverbs, 10:9; 10:26). It, therefore, means that one should earn the fruits of hard work. The business has no place for sluggards as they bring no gains. Proverbs 12:27 observes that such persons have nothing to roast while those that work hard have plenty to roast.

The reason why bribery is given in secrecy is that it is unethical with the perpetrators being foolish to know that they do not have to bribe to get their desired outcomes. Proverbs 17:23 indicates that bribery is for the wicked who seek to pervert justice. They are fools to think that the only way to succeed is by giving bribes. Seconded by Barnes (2007), Proverbs 17:16 appreciates the lack of understanding among such people who think that they could buy wisdom. In the business world, the practice could be common, but Proverbs 14:12 warns that even though this could appear to be right, it could lead to failure. This failure does not discriminate as even well-established businesses fall because of bribery. Even those that think of themselves as being successful through such acts do not manage to sustain their success.

Work should be considered a source of prosperity in life and should therefore be done with commitment and unity. Those that work, and specifically work hard, realize positive gains. On the contrary, those that forfeit working end up in poverty (Proverbs 14:23). Lifestyle points out to one’s prosperity just as children would be known through their actions (Christensen, 2013; Proverbs, 20:11). Thus, those who prosper signal those that work hard and exhibit commitment. After all, God’s blessings only rest with those who show a willingness to sell (Proverbs, 11:26). Nonetheless, those that do not exhibit hard work should be helped to change, but if they fail to show positive change, then, they should bear the cost (Proverbs, 29:1).